Women of Wolfson - Kimberley Andrews

What motivated you to study for your Law degree?

The law degree perfectly matches my personality and aspirations. From a practical standpoint, I have always enjoyed advocacy, exploring an issue, assessing different perspectives, and the better understanding which results from the process. My law degree continues to prepare me to be a better advocate for issues I care about, such as women’s empowerment, and greater representation in specific areas of the law.

Moreover, understanding the legal structures that shapes society is intellectually empowering, as I am gaining the knowledge to make sense of, and better analyse, the decisions that determine legal developments. For those of us who tend to become bored easily, the study and practice of the law is a never-ending intellectual journey going beyond the degree. 

How did you get here? What was your journey to Cambridge?

Before coming to Cambridge, my time was divided between being a mum and multiple part-time roles with the Probation Service. Directly before coming to Cambridge, I was a school registrar. I have two boys, who have shaped my life in ways unimagined. Motherhood, I have found, is certainly the most challenging yet rewarding career.  

In preparation for my law degree, I pursued multiple opportunities to learn more about the legal field. This included an internship at a women's charity to help protect widowed women’s rights in Africa and Asia, and a mini pupillage in commercial and employment law at a leading London set. I also assisted in an administrative capacity at the Jamaican High Commission in London. In this role, I was involved with processes related to Jamaica's successful election for places on the UN's specialized agencies, like the International Maritime Organization as well as the UN's principle judicial organ, the ICJ. All these experiences helped crystallize my thoughts and eventual decision that undertaking a law degree was the right path for me.

What have you been doing to prepare for the future, in addition to your studies?

At the end of Michaelmas term I undertook marshalling at the Upper Immigration Tribunal in the City. 

Marshals typically have two or maybe three days with the judge. I was fortunate to have the whole week! I marshalled a total of five judges at the upper tribunal, and one High Court judge who sat in on a case. Cases were mainly appeals against deportation or a decision by the Home Office refusing the right to remain the UK.

I benefitted much from the experience: from the understanding gained witnessing the preparatory process for a judge prior to entering the court room; seeing the law in practice; and a deeper appreciation for the remarkable people within our judiciary.

Such work experience is essential for aspirant barristers. However, they are not always easy to access. So, at the end of the marshalling, Judge Keith and I discussed establishing a pathway scheme to provide the same opportunity for other Wolfson Lawyers. We agreed on the selection criteria and College gladly accepted. The scheme will follow the same format as my marshalling and will take place at the end of Michaelmas term for one week. It is a terrific opportunity for anybody fortunate to have it.

Who were the women who inspired you along your journey?

Numerous women have inspired me. They include those closer to home, and distant contemporary and historical figures.  

First, I’m inspired by my great-grandmother Daisy Curtis, grandmother Mavis Sullivan, and great-aunt Pamela Bogle - all revered matriarchs of my family. Arriving in pre and post-Windrush Britain, they overcame the discriminatory and economic challenges of the period and were instrumental in establishing communities and forging out a place in British society for newer generations of Anglo-Caribbean women to follow. Oftentimes, recollecting their experiences place my challenges into perspective, and I draw everlasting encouragement from that. Second, I am inspired by my dearest female friends and relatives, representing the many forms of womanhood, each accomplished in their own way. As well as being a source of inspiration, they provide essential practical and moral support to assist me on my journey.  

Third, historical figures such as Gloria Carpenter - Jamaican barrister, and first Black woman to study at the University of Cambridge who not only broke ground but used her talent to establish the Law Faculty back home at the University of West Indies - and, the one and only Serena Williams. A total badass! She is an athlete, a mother, a wife, a designer, and now – a venture capitalist having raised $111 million for her venture fund, Serena Ventures. On how many levels can one woman be winning? Serena proves that a woman can be all that she desires to be! I say 'can' because, sadly, women are still disadvantaged in many areas, preventing them from utilizing their talents fully. Still, I feel grateful to the generations of women trailblazers, like those I mentioned, who contributed to creating the social environment needed for women to turn their dreams into reality.